If you are not adventerous, do not go to the Philippines!

The Philippines is a Third World country, a so called developing country.

And yes, it seems that after mr. Duterte became president, it is finally developing. But they have a very long way to go if they want foreigners to be impressed and enjoy travelling and living in the country.
Most of the goods appreciated by Westerns, is very expensive here. It is a hot country, and staying cool is costly
Hotels and accomodation is usually overpriced compared with other ASEAN countries.
To find a decent quality housing with a decent neighbourhood not plagued with screaming roosters, barking dogs and endless and often hopeless Karaoke singing from sunrise to kerfew time at 10pm is almost impossible.
Garbage is almost everywhere. Run down old buildings abound, even in big cities where the value of the land is sky high.

Street children abound, people living on side walks and in terrible shacks.

Heavily polluted air due to old and badly maintained vehicles is a real health issue in the cities.

The food found at most eateries tastes sugar and vinegar. Terrible for most tourists, to be honest about it.
Thai food, Indonesian food, Malaysian food with all its varieties is sooo much more pleasing and lovely, so do NOT come to the Philippines to experience lovely interesting food, my friend.

Cockroaches and other exotic insects are found almost everywhere, also inside hotel rooms.

Travelling can be a nightmare. If you are of American size, sitting in those small jeepneys or tricycles is really a painful experience. Also most buses have way to small seats, unless you get the most modern luxury versions that is.

Taxi drivers, especially in Manila, are in many cases swindlers and thiefs.

Toilets:
Do not expect to find decent size toilet bowls anywhere. Toilet paper? Nada! Bring always wet wipes with you, even if you visit a nice mall.

If you are not ready to learn how to use a water bottle or the typical plastic scope and your left hand to wash your behind after doing number 2, better u stay only in the most expensive modern areas of Manila and Cebu.

Rental cars or motorbikes are not easy to find, and if you find, they are extremely overpriced.

Driving in the country may also be a challenge if you are used to a country where people abide by the rules. Here, most people do not even know the rules.

So, if you have 2-3 weeks of holiday, coming from a developped country, wishing to relax and have a hassle-free holiday, there is NO reason for you to pick the Philippines.

But if are interested in getting to know locals, and feel a warm and welcoming culture that can really touch your heart, and introduce you to new, real friends, then it might be worth the inconviences mentions already.

Now, of course we have different kinds of travellers:

1.Sex Tourists
2.Explorers
3.People looking for a good place to retire in their old age.
4. Business people
etc.

All these categories of people come to the Philippines.

And why not?

There are a lot of young people there who are more than willing to find a relationship or friendship with a foreigner. Not only because of financial benefits, but because the people in the Philippines are usually very open minded and very friendly to foreigners.

But hotels, infrastructure and general services may, as I have already pointed out, be of a very poor or relatively expensive standard.

You can come here as a young explorer, travelling with friends, diving and do a lot of cool things, of course, but I bet you would get more for the money visiting Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam.

Explorers that wish to visit the unexplored places: This is the right place! People here love to speak English, and they are extremely polite and friendly.

But do not expect to have an easy travel, nor to find a comfortable one.

However, visiting and exploring the Philippines may be very awarding for those who have that extra stamina and the extra cash.

Very lonely? Oops! Careful now my friend. This place might be the best option for you, but look out!

Coming here to visit an online girlfriend? I am so sorry mate, the chance of you being cheated and usurped is just as high as me. And yes, I was cheated and usurped. Not only once...

Filipinas who look like models know their worth. They are not coming cheap, especially not online. The Internet cafes are full of girls who have a full time job robbing foreigners.

If you are already retired with a small pension, you might find this a paradise, and if ur cash is low, you can find many places where your cash can still make u a king.

Filipinas usually love tall, white men. If you are short, black or dark skinned with no money, no need to come here. There are plenty of short, dark skinned filipinos who look for a partner too.

In the provinces of the Philippines, life can be very cheap. But you need to suffer also. Brown outs (no electricity) are very common. Very pretty ladies will steal your cash, ur kid and all they can. Do not be fooled.

Be wise, and be independent of any lady here, and u should be ok. Get ur insurances in order. Be very suspicious, do NOT invest a lot of cash in your gf's life, like a house, a car or a condo. Just live your own life.